The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is
joining hands with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) during the
Dubai The City That Cares 2001 campaign in Ramadan through an event called "Open
Doors" which will focus on providing visits to the picturesque Jumeirah Mosque
to visitors and people living in the UAE. This event will encourage expatriates and
non-Muslims to know more about Ramadan, Islam and Arabic culture.

A "Majlis" tent
has been set up beside the Jumeirah Mosque for visitors where they would be provided information from 9am-1pm and 8pm-11pm.
The tent would be useful for tourists to come and experience
for themselves the "breaking of fast" during Ramadan. Mosque tours for visitors will be
held on Saturday and Monday nights. Submit your
Ramadan-related queries

Islam is the official religion of the UAE and sustains the
society with its timeless values that touch all aspects of everyday life.

Ramadan is the Holy Month in which Muslims commemorate the
revelation of the Holy Quran. The month is not fixed in terms of the
Western calendar, but occurs a few days earlier each year. In 2000, Ramadan will commence
in the last week of November and come to a close a month later.
It is a month of fasting when Muslims abstain from all food, drinks and cigarettes
from dawn to dusk.

Non-Muslims are also required to refrain from consuming these items
in public places during Ramadan as a mark of respect.

Food will be served in restaurants located within hotels.

Special Ramadan festivals are being organised in the Emirate of Sharjah

Visitors to the Emirates can participate in the Iftar (the breaking of fast around 6.30pm in
the evening) that are open to the general public.

Shops are usually closed during the day and open after Iftar till early hours in the morning.

Similarly, parks and other public places will open after the breaking of fast and remain so till
late in the night.

Modest attire is recommended and patience should be exercised at all times in the spirit of
Ramadan.